Gaming Monitor Roundup 2014

BenQ RL2455HM Review

Manufacturer: BenQ
UK price: £142.93 (inc VAT)

Specifications

• Screen size 24in
  
• Resolution 1,920 x 1,080
  
• Refresh rate 60Hz
  
• TFT-panel type TN
  
• 3D support No
  
• Overdrive Yes
  
• Inputs VGA, DVI, 2 x HDMI
  
• Audio HDMI audio out, 3.5mm audio in
  
• Extras Speakers
  
• Dimensions (mm) 581 x 186 x 438 (W x D x H)
  
• Portrait mode No
  
• Weight 4.16kg
  
• Mount VESA 100mm

BenQ has built a reputation as a brand for great gaming monitors and it was a pioneer of 120Hz gaming, so it makes sense that it’s represented by not one but two screens in this test. The first one is the eminently affordable RL2455HM, a 24-inch TN screen that is significantly cheaper than most other contenders in this test – only Iiyama's E2473HS is cheaper. The reason is that this screen is only capable of a 60Hz refresh rate at 1080p, and the only way it can deliver its promised 1ms response time is by the powers of marketing and excessive overdrive technology.


That doesn’t mean this is a bad screen; after all, it is a lot cheaper than 120/144Hz models. BenQ does equip it with a full complement of inputs, except DisplayPort, including two HDMI inputs. Like most entry-level screens it has a simple stand, lacking adjustment options apart from a simple tilt adjustment.

On examination of the test results, there is precious little to recommend this screen. The colour temperature out of the box is very good indeed, and the maximum brightness is more than high enough to use in even very bright environments. However, the black levels are subpar, resulting in mediocre contrast, while the gamma is far too low, and misses the ideal value of 2.2 by way more than any other screen, which contributes to an even worse washed out image.


Response times without overdrive are pretty terrible, but true to its promise, they improve hugely once overdrive is enabled. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of some fierce artefacting. Pretty much the only other positive worthy of mention is the low energy consumption, but even that is not the lowest in the test.

The RL2455HM tries to capitalize on BenQ’s reputation, but sadly ends up detracting from it.